A recent request described an iPad with a cracked front screen that would not turn on after a drop. I treat the crack and the no-power symptom as two important facts, not proof that one part will fix everything. First make sure the iPad is safe. Then record what it does without pressing the glass, forcing a cable or choosing an erase option.
Stop using and charging the iPad if the glass is sharp or falling out, the case is bent or opening, the screen is lifting, the device is unusually hot, swollen, wet, smoking, hissing or giving off an unusual smell. Don’t press it closed. Keep it away from heat and anything flammable, and call a store for a safe next step.
Check the condition before you try to power it on
Look at the iPad without pressing the broken screen. Note whether the frame is bent, the display is separating, glass is missing, or the charging connector was damaged. Apple says not to use an iPad with cracked glass because it can cause injury.
A drop can affect the screen, battery, connector or internal hardware. A black screen can also hide signs that the iPad is still responding. Listen for sounds and note whether a connected computer recognizes it, but do not keep repeating power or charging tests on a physically unsafe device.
- Exact iPad model or model number
- Where the glass and frame are damaged
- Whether the screen is black, lined or flashing
- Sounds, vibration or computer recognition
- Heat, swelling, liquid or a lifting display
- Whether the important files are backed up
Try one force restart only when the iPad is safe
If the iPad is cool, dry, not swollen, not bent and the screen is not lifting, Apple provides a model-specific force-restart sequence. On an iPad without a Home button, press and release the volume button nearest the top button, press and release the other volume button, then hold the top button until the Apple logo appears. On an iPad with a Home button, hold the Home and top buttons together until the logo appears.
A force restart does not repair broken glass, impact damage or a damaged charging connector. If the iPad stays black, becomes hot, or the same problem returns, stop repeating the sequence and arrange an evaluation.
Do not erase or Restore when the files matter
If the iPad turns on and is safe to use, make a current backup and confirm it finished. If it reaches a recovery screen, Apple’s published startup steps say to choose Update when a computer offers Update or Restore. Restore erases the iPad, so I would not use it as a casual test when photos, notes or other files exist only on that device.
If the iPad remains inaccessible, tell us that data is the priority before work begins. A normal screen or power repair, board-level evaluation and data-recovery attempt are different paths. No result should be promised before the model and damage are checked.
Bring the full symptom list, not a guessed part
Tell us what happened, what appeared immediately after the drop, whether the iPad charged or connected to a computer afterward, and whether the picture or touch changed before it went black. Mention any earlier repair and bring the charging cable only if it is undamaged.
Do not put the iPad passcode, Apple Account password or verification codes in the quote form. A useful request includes the model, damage, behavior and data priority. The store can explain the next evaluation step after reviewing those facts.
Choose the store and confirm support before visiting
Phone Repair Guy evaluates supported iPad and tablet screen, charging, no-power and board-level problems at Davie, Tamarac and the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. Parts, price, repairability and timing depend on the exact model and condition.
Davie is open daily 10 AM–8 PM. Tamarac is open daily 9 AM–9 PM. Swap Shop is closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM and Saturday–Sunday 8:30 AM–5:30 PM. On a closed day, request a quote online and plan for the next open day.
Sources and further reading
Common questions
Should I charge an iPad that will not turn on after a drop?
Not if the case is bent or opening, the screen is lifting, the device is hot or swollen, liquid entered it, or the connector is damaged. Stop testing and ask for a safe evaluation path.
Can a force restart fix a cracked iPad?
No. A force restart can help with an unresponsive system when the iPad is otherwise safe, but it does not repair glass, a bent frame, a damaged connector or internal impact damage.
Should I choose Restore if the iPad reaches recovery mode?
Not casually when important data is not backed up. Apple’s startup guidance says to choose Update when offered Update or Restore. Restore erases the iPad.
Can Phone Repair Guy confirm the repair from a photo?
A photo may show visible damage, but the exact model, frame, display, battery, connector and internal condition still affect the repair path. The device needs an evaluation before price, parts or outcome can be confirmed.
Related repair help
Get a clear next step.
Call your nearest Phone Repair Guy store or send the device and symptoms for a repair evaluation.